Ootiyani Sri Airavaneswarar Temple – Thiruvarur

Address

Ootiyani Sri Airavaneswarar Temple, Pulla Mangalam Post, Needamangalam Taluk, Ootiyani – 610 209, Thiruvarur district. Mobile: +91 90479 22254

Deity

Sri Airavaneswarar Amman: Sri Akilandeswari.

Introduction

• Location: Ootiyani Village, Needamangalam Taluk, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu
• Deity:
  • Presiding Deity: Airavaneswarar (Lord Shiva)
  • Mother: Akilandeswari
• Significant Features:
  • Sthala Vriksham: Vilwa Tree
  • Theertham: Brahmma Theertham
• Age: Believed to be 1,500 years old
• Historical Significance: One of the 108 Shiva temples built by the Cholas.

Puranic Significance

• Etymology of Ootiyani: The name “Ootiyani” translates to “feeding,” symbolizing Lord Shiva’s role in cultivating crops for all beings in the region.
• Divine Mercy: The temple is believed to embody Lord Shiva’s compassion, promoting happiness, health, and prosperity among devotees.
• Discovery and Reconstruction:
  • The temple was buried under wild bushes, and its idols were scattered and neglected, with some using the area for making kilns.
  • Lord Shiva is said to have appeared in a dream to a devotee named Maran, instructing him to rebuild the temple.
  • A committee was formed to restore the temple, leading to its consecration in June 2013.

Special Features

• Swayambumurthy: Lord Airavaneswarar is worshipped as a Swayambumurthy (self-manifested deity).
• Solar Alignment: On the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd of Panguni (March-April), the rays of the sun fall on the feet of the Lord from 6:00 a.m. to 6:15 a.m.
• Shrines: In addition to the main deities, the temple features shrines for:
  • Dakshinamurthy
  • Kala Bhairava
  • Chandikeswara
  • Vinayaka
  • Bala Muruga
• Restoration Efforts: The temple was previously overgrown with wild bushes, which were cleared before the temple’s reconstruction and consecration.

Festivals

• Major Festivals Celebrated:
  • Karthikai Deepam
  • Pradosha Pujas
  • New Moon Days

Century/Period/Age

1500 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Ootiyani

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvarur

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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